PROSTHETIC EYE CLEANING: TOP CARE TIPS FOR YOUR EYES TO LOOK AND FEEL ITS BEST

May 20, 2024

Prosthetic Eye is a craftsmanship that revolves around the life of a person who might have lost an eye in an unfortunate incident. It is pure magic in its physical form! Giving eyes to those who have lost one! 

If you are a wearer of prosthetic eyes, this art becomes a part of you, and you must care for it just like you care for every other part of your body.

Proper maintenance and cleaning are crucial for the wearer of a prosthetic eye, as the amount of care that you provide for your prosthetic eye determines its longevity and also the health of your eye socket. 

In this blog, you can explore the top care tips for prosthetic eye cleaning to make your eyes look and feel their best. After all, it will be good if you consider professional help for the same in case of any issues.

Prosthetic Eye Cleaning Made Simple: What you need to know

Are you the owner of this wondrous craftsmanship? Are you confused about how to properly care for your own piece of magic?

Rest assured, here is a comprehensive guide to everything that you need to know.

Importance of Proper Cleaning

Prosthetic eye cleaning needs to be prioritized for several reasons, including:

• To prevent infections

A prosthetic eye, being an artificial product, increases the chances of an infection in the eye socket. Therefore, regular prosthetic eye cleaning can eliminate the chances of getting an infection in the eye socket.

• To ensure ease and comfort

An artificial product is not self-cleansing in nature. There are chances for debris from tears and mucus to accumulate on the surface of a prosthetic eye, causing discomfort and irritation. Therefore, proper cleaning of a prosthetic eye can ensure ease and comfort in its usage.

• To ensure the longevity and aesthetics of the product

Regular prosthetic eye cleaning ensures that it lasts for a longer time, cutting down on the expense of frequently replacing the item. It also ensures that the eye has a glossy appearance, making it look real.

Frequency of Cleaning

The frequency of cleaning your prosthetic eye should be decided based on your doctor’s opinion as well as your personal comfort.

Generally, prosthetic eyes are advised to be cleaned:

• Daily

According to most ocular specialists, you can ensure that any debris or accumulation is immediately removed, reducing the chances of eye socket infection and more.

• As required

If you are prone to discomfort and irritation more frequently, it’s advised that you adopt a frequent cleansing strategy and consult your ocular specialist before you do so.

Supplies for Proper Cleaning

To clean your prosthetic eye, you will need a few simple supplies: 

• Baby shampoo

Use gentle cleansers like baby shampoo to clean your prosthetic eye. The enzymes in the shampoo break down protein that accumulates on the prosthesis and remove mucus from your eyelids and lashes.

• Sterile solution

While cleaning the prosthesis away from the shower, rinse it with a sterile or saline solution. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infections.

• Soft wipes

Use clean and soft wipes, like a soft cotton cloth or pad, to wipe your prosthetic eyes and hands. While cleaning the prosthetic eye, always wipe gently towards the nose; wiping away from your nose may dislodge or rotate the prosthesis.

Steps to Prosthetic Eye Cleaning

• Wash your hands properly

The first step to effective prosthetic eye cleaning is to wash your hands with soap properly to prevent the introduction of infection-causing bacteria to the prosthetic eye.

• Remove your prosthetic eye carefully

Remove your prosthetic eye carefully and patiently, as advised by your ophthalmologist or ocular specialist.

• Rinse the prosthetic eye with sterile solution

Rinse the removed prosthetic eye gently with a sterile or saline solution to get rid of accumulated debris on the surface of the prosthetic eye.

• Clean the prosthetic eye with baby shampoo

Apply a small amount of mild soap, or preferably baby shampoo, to a soft wipe like a soft cotton cloth or cotton pad and gently wipe the prosthetic eye. Make sure that you do not rub the surface harshly, as this can damage the prosthetic eye by creating scratches and more.

• Rinse the prosthetic eye again

Rinse the prosthetic eye again with sterile or saline solution to remove the soap and debris.

• Dry the prosthetic eye with soft wipes

Use soft wipes or cloths to dry the prosthetic eye; avoid using towels that have lint or rough fibers on them. This can remain on the prosthetic eye as a residue.

• Inspect the prosthetic eye for any damage

Thoroughly check the prosthetic eye for any damage like scratches, discoloration, or cracks. If you find any defects on the prosthetic eye, contact your ocular specialist immediately before reinserting them.

• Reinsert the prosthetic eye

Make sure that your prosthetic eye is clean, dry, and not damaged before reinserting it into your eye socket. Follow the steps advised by your ocular specialist before reinserting them.

Conclusion

Proper prosthetic eye cleaning and maintenance are important for the hygiene and well-being of your eye socket. By following the steps listed here, you can make sure that your eye socket and prosthetic eye are in excellent condition and rule out probable complications.

Another thing that you need to remember while taking care of your prosthetic eye is to stay alert. If you feel any discomfort or irritation or see any signs of infection, contact the nearest ocular specialist immediately.

With so many ocular specialists around, dialing a number can be confusing. Here is Prosthetic Artists Inc., the best ocular specialist in Sacramento. We offer the best services in crafting oculars, ocular cleaning, ocular consultation, and much more!

If you are looking for prosthetic eye cleaning or any kind of service related to the same, feel free to contact us. To learn more about the services and specialists of Prosthetic Artists Inc., visit our official website.

TOP 8 ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING OCULAR PROSTHETICS FOR EYE RESTORATION

March 22, 2024

Our eyes are not just our visual organs; they also play a crucial role in shaping our facial features. However, losing an eye due to an accident or disease can be incredibly challenging, significantly impacting our appearance and confidence. 

Fortunately, we have a modern and innovative solution called ocular prosthetics, which provides us with an opportunity to restore our appearance and regain a sense of normalcy. 

In this comprehensive blog, we'll explore what ocular prosthetics are, when you should consider an ocular prosthesis procedure, and the top 10 advantages of choosing an ocular prosthesis for eye restoration. We'll delve into how these custom-made devices contribute to improved aesthetics, comfort, and overall well-being.

What Is Ocular Prosthesis

Ocular prosthesis are typically made of high-quality medical-grade plastic acrylic. This material is very popular for its durability, lightweight properties, and ability to be molded into intricate shapes. 

These prosthetic eyes are carefully crafted to mimic the color, shape, and size of your natural eye, providing them with a realistic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Modern acrylic materials have replaced traditional materials like glass, offering a more comfortable and durable solution for individuals seeking eye restoration.

When You Need Ocular Prosthetics 

According to Moorfields Eye Charity, over 8 million people worldwide wear a prosthetic eye. There are various reasons why you may find the need for an eye prosthesis, especially if your eye is damaged beyond repair or poses health risks. If your non-functioning eye cannot be saved and can become a concern in the future, surgical removal becomes a viable option. There are two primary procedures for eye removal

• Evisceration: In this procedure, most of your eye and its contents are removed, leaving only the white of the eye and connected muscles.

• Enucleation: During this procedure, your entire eye is removed, and the associated muscles are resewn to a spherical implant.

Some very common reasons for eye removal include injury, cancer, infection, or severe eye pain, such as that caused by neovascular glaucoma. If you are facing any of these conditions, an eye prosthesis can be the option you can opt for. This custom-made device not only restores the natural appearance of your eye but also helps maintain facial symmetry. 

To make an informed decision, you must consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you in determining whether an eye prosthesis is the appropriate course of action for your specific situation or not.

Why Should You Consider Prosthetic Eye Implants 

Considering a prosthetic eye comes with numerous benefits if your eye is removed due to any unavoidable circumstances. Here, we outline 8 significant advantages.

1. Improve Aesthetics

Ocular prosthetics play a crucial role in enhancing the appearance of individuals who have lost an eye. Whether the loss occurred due to injury or disease, these prosthetics are designed to closely mimic your natural eye color and shape, helping you achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.

2. Restoration of Facial Symmetry

Facial symmetry is an essential aspect of human perception of beauty. These prosthetics help to maintain your facial symmetry by filling the space left by a missing eye. This restoration of balance makes it less obvious that a person is missing one or both functioning eyes, alleviating your potential self-consciousness and improving overall confidence.

3. Comfort

Comfort is a key consideration in the design of ocular prosthetics. These custom-made devices are crafted to be lightweight and non-intrusive, ensuring minimal discomfort. The goal is to provide you with a prosthetic eye that feels natural and is easy to adapt to in daily life.

4. Customization

One significant advantage of prosthetic implants for eye restoration is their scope of customization. Each prosthetic eye is individually crafted to match your existing eye in terms of color, shape, and size. This level of personalization ensures that the prosthetic seamlessly blends with your natural eye and creates a harmonious and natural appearance.

5. Durability

These new-age prosthetics for the eye are made of high-quality medical-grade plastic acrylic, a material known for its durability. Unlike glass used in the past, acrylic offers a robust and long-lasting solution. This durability contributes to the longevity of your prosthetic eye. You need not require frequent replacements, which saves you from extra expenditure and post-surgical trauma.

6. Preservation of Eye Socket

Ocular implants and prosthetics serve a dual purpose—they restore the appearance of the eye and prevent the tissues in the eye socket from growing to fill the empty space. This preservation of the eye socket is crucial for maintaining the integrity of facial features.

7. Proper Eyelid Movements

The ocular implant, which is part of the prosthetic eye, supports proper eyelid functioning. This ensures that the eyelid moves naturally, helping with blinking and contributing to a more lifelike appearance.

8. Ease in Social Situations

A prosthetic eye can significantly ease social situations, especially for children. It helps individuals feel more confident in social interactions, reducing the potential for awkwardness or uncomfortable situations. This ease in social settings contributes to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.

Conclusion

Ocular prosthetics have revolutionized the eye restoration process. They offer a comprehensive solution to the physical and emotional challenges associated with the loss of an eye. The advantages discussed, from improved aesthetics and comfort to customization and durability, highlight the positive impact that these prosthetics can have on the lives of those seeking eye restoration. 

Additionally, choosing a prosthetic eye not only restores your visual balance but also enhances your overall well-being, providing you with the opportunity to embrace life with renewed confidence and ease.
If you're looking for top-notch prosthetic solutions, choose Prosthetic Artists Inc. Our skilled team excels in fitting painted ocular prosthesis seamlessly after eye removal. With expertise in various implant types, we guarantee personalized and natural-looking results. Schedule an appointment with us today!